Published: October 27, 2025
KAKATA, Margibi County — President Joseph Nyuma Boakai on Friday reaffirmed Liberia’s “unshakable” commitment to peace, development, and human rights as the nation joined the global community in marking the 80th anniversary of the United Nations.
Speaking at the ceremony held on the historic grounds of Booker Washington Institute (BWI) in Kakata, President Boakai said Liberia’s partnership with the UN and its multilateral allies remains central to the country’s post-war recovery and future growth.
“The United Nations stands as a beacon of hope and cooperation for all peoples and nations, working tirelessly to uphold the values of peace, security, development, and human rights,” Boakai said. “Today, we reaffirm Liberia’s continued support for the UN’s mission and underscore our leadership in advancing global peace and solidarity.”
Liberia’s Enduring Role on the World Stage
The Liberian leader described the commemoration as a moment of national pride, recalling that Liberia was one of the UN’s 50 founding members in 1945. He said the decision to sign the UN Charter in San Francisco stemmed from Liberia’s “sense of duty to humanity and global progress.”
Boakai said Liberia intends to use its anticipated seat on the UN Security Council in 2026 to champion peace, climate action, and sustainable development. He emphasized that Liberia’s international engagements will reflect its belief in “partnerships that build sustainable and equitable societies for future generations.”
Boakai also reaffirmed his government’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), pledging continued investment in education, healthcare, economic diversification, and climate resilience, pillars he said align with the ARREST Agenda for national transformation.
UN Lauds Liberia’s Progress and Partnership
UN Resident Coordinator Christine N. Umutoni praised Liberia’s enduring relationship with the United Nations and commended Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti and her team for coordinating the anniversary celebration.
“UN Day is not about the UN alone, it is about the countries that make the UN,” Umutoni said. “Together with the government, we decided to bring the celebration to Margibi, especially to BWI, because whatever we do is about the people, especially the young ones.”
Reading the UN Secretary-General’s message, Umutoni said the United Nations represents “a living promise, spanning borders, bridging continents, inspiring generations.” The message called on member states to renew their commitment to multilateralism amid deepening global crises.
“Now, more than ever, the world must recommit to solving problems no nation can solve alone,” the Secretary-General’s message read. “Let us fulfill the extraordinary promise of the United Nations by acting as one.”
From Conflict to Cooperation
Reflecting on Liberia’s journey with the UN, Umutoni hailed the country’s transformation from civil conflict to peace and stability, crediting the resilience of Liberian communities, especially women, for leading national reconciliation and rebuilding.
“From the shadows of conflict to the light of peace, Liberia has walked a path that inspires nations everywhere,” she said. “We have learned from the collective strength of Liberian women who helped broker peace and continue to rebuild the nation.”
She highlighted UN support for education, healthcare, women’s empowerment, governance reform, agriculture, and climate adaptation, describing Liberia as “a model of what sustained partnership and national will can achieve.”
New UN Cooperation Framework Unveiled
The event also featured the soft launch of the United Nations Cooperation Framework (UNCF) 2026–2030, which aligns with the Government of Liberia’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID 2025–2029).
Umutoni said the new framework will prioritize human capital development, good governance and the rule of law, economic transformation, and climate action, areas she described as “critical to achieving Liberia’s long-term development vision.”
“As UN reforms advance, we are moving from isolated projects to joint programs, from traditional aid to innovative financing,” she added. “Together, we are working to deliver results that empower people and protect the planet.”
Unity and Shared Purpose
The celebration concluded with cultural performances and a renewed call for partnership. President Boakai closed the event by reaffirming Liberia’s solidarity with the UN and its commitment to peace, progress, and human dignity.
“We will continue working with the UN, our regional partners, and the international community to foster peace, promote development, and protect human rights,” he said. “Together, we will build a future of stability, prosperity, and sustainable growth for all.”
The UN@80 observance underscored eight decades of partnership between Liberia and the United Nations, an alliance that began in the ashes of global war and continues to shape the nation’s pursuit of peace and progress today.
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